Criminal Defense Lawyer

Washington DUI penalties are severe, including mandatory minimum jail time, license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, and substantial fines. Our defense attorneys challenge breath and blood test results, field sobriety tests, and police procedures to protect your rights and driving privileges.

Many DUI cases involve flawed evidence. Breathalyzer machines must be properly calibrated and maintained, blood draws must follow specific procedures, and officers must have reasonable suspicion for the initial traffic stop. We examine every aspect of your arrest to identify constitutional violations and evidentiary weaknesses.

Beyond the criminal case, a DUI arrest triggers a separate administrative proceeding with the Department of Licensing that can result in license suspension even before your court date. We handle both the criminal and administrative proceedings to give you the best chance of preserving your driving privileges and avoiding conviction.

Washington classifies assault into four degrees, ranging from fourth-degree assault (a gross misdemeanor) to first-degree assault (a class A felony carrying up to life in prison). We develop comprehensive defense strategies including self-defense claims, challenging witness credibility, and negotiating reduced charges when appropriate.

Assault cases often depend heavily on witness testimony, which can be unreliable or biased. We conduct thorough investigations, interview witnesses, review surveillance footage, analyze physical evidence, and consult with forensic experts to challenge the prosecution's version of events.

When self-defense applies, Washington law allows individuals to use reasonable force to protect themselves from an imminent threat of harm. We build compelling self-defense cases by demonstrating that our client's response was proportionate to the threat faced. When negotiation is appropriate, we work to reduce charges or secure alternative dispositions.

From shoplifting to major theft charges, we provide aggressive defense. Washington theft crimes are categorized by degree based on the value of property involved: third-degree theft (under $750), second-degree theft ($750-$5,000), and first-degree theft (over $5,000).

We challenge every element of theft charges, including whether you actually took the property, whether you had intent to permanently deprive the owner, and whether the property was properly valued. For shoplifting cases, we examine store surveillance, loss prevention procedures, and witness reliability.

For first-time offenders, we often negotiate diversion agreements, deferred prosecution, or community service arrangements that can result in charges being dismissed. For more serious theft allegations, we prepare aggressive defenses that protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.

Washington's drug laws have evolved significantly in recent years, particularly following the Blake decision and subsequent legislative reforms. We defend clients facing possession, distribution, and manufacturing charges, exploring options including drug court diversion, treatment-based alternatives, and challenging the legality of searches and seizures.

The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement discovered drugs through an illegal traffic stop, warrantless search, or a warrant lacking probable cause, we file motions to suppress that evidence — which can result in dismissal of charges.

Washington's Therapeutic Courts (drug courts) offer alternatives to traditional prosecution for eligible defendants. These programs focus on treatment and rehabilitation rather than incarceration, and successful completion can result in dismissal of charges. We evaluate whether our clients qualify for these programs and advocate for their admission when appropriate.

Weapon charges in Washington carry serious penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses. We defend clients accused of unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying concealed weapons without a permit, possession of a weapon by a prohibited person, and other firearms offenses.

Washington law prohibits certain individuals — including those with prior felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions, and those subject to protection orders — from possessing firearms. We examine whether the underlying prohibition was valid, whether our client actually possessed the weapon, and whether any constitutional rights were violated during the investigation.

We also handle cases involving weapons enhancements — additional charges added to other crimes when a firearm is alleged to have been involved. These enhancements carry mandatory consecutive sentences, making aggressive defense critical. We challenge the factual basis for enhancements and negotiate to have them removed when possible.

Washington has mandatory arrest policies for domestic violence calls, meaning that when officers respond to a DV call, they are required to arrest the person they determine to be the primary aggressor. This means allegations alone can lead to immediate arrest, even when the facts are disputed.

False or exaggerated domestic violence allegations are unfortunately common, particularly during contentious divorces and custody battles. We investigate the accuser's motives, examine inconsistencies in their statements, gather evidence such as text messages, social media posts, and witness accounts that contradict their claims, and present your side of the story effectively.

A domestic violence conviction carries consequences beyond criminal penalties — it can affect your custody rights, trigger no-contact orders that keep you from your home and children, result in loss of firearm rights, and impact your employment and immigration status. We fight to protect all aspects of your life while navigating the complex intersection of criminal and family court proceedings.